Plenty. A woman is chastised for having a selfish, “callous heart” (“Nobody Else in the World But You”).
“My Thanksgiving” rejects anger, advocates loving our fellow man and mourns America’s “too many blessings, too little appreciation.” A father looks in on his sleeping daughter and pledges faithfulness (“Annabel”). Top notch poetry fuels a strong anti-drug message on “The Genie,” which dictates that actions have consequences. The music veteran wants to settle down with the woman he loves (“Taking You Home”) and values prayer as a key ingredient to a successful marriage (“For My Wedding”). He criticizes corporate greed and environmental abuse (“Goodbye to a River”), and condemns a suicidal mother who abandons her son to a life of delinquency and misdirected bitterness (“D–n It Rose”).
A handful of profanities (“s—,” “a–,” “d–n” and even one f-word) spoil well-intentioned messages. Elsewhere, a newlywed admits to missing “the wild, wild nights of running” (“Everything Is Different Now”) and a man seeks composure in “a good stiff drink” (“Miss Ghost”).
Years removed from life in the fast lane, Henley lets social conscience dominate his lyrics. He speaks his mind and chooses targets wisely. Still, it will take a tamer tongue to give discerning families a peaceful, easy feeling.
